SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $96,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE IRA DAVENPORT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN STEUBEN COUNTY

Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $96,775 in federal funding for the Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital in Steuben County. The grant was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine program.

The funds will be used to purchase telemedicine equipment such as carts, digital stethoscopes, exam cameras, software, and network equipment. This technology will allow the hospital to virtually direct treatment when patients cannot be transported, and allow the hospital to determine whether low-severity patients can remain in their own community for treatment and at their local hospital.

“This federal investment is good news for residents and medical professionals in Steuben County,” said Senator Schumer. “These federal funds will promote public health and enhance telemedicine services. I am proud to announce this federal investment and will continue to fight to make sure that rural communities in the Southern Tier have the tools they need to grow and prosper.”

“Through this investment, the Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital will be able to more easily direct care for residents throughout Steuben County,” said Senator Gillibrand. “New Yorkers’ health care should not be compromised simply because of where they live, and by expanding the telemedicine network, patients will gain more access to the hospital’s medical professionals without having to travel to a different location.”

USDA Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants aim to provide access to education, training, and health care resources for rural Americans. The grants can be used to purchase equipment such as transmission facilities, audio equipment, interactive video equipment, and computer hardware, as well as technical assistance for using eligible equipment. More information can be found here.